By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
The temporary halt in the activities of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been described as a setback in Healthcare service delivery especially issues of childbirth spacing commodities in Bauchi State.
The assertion was made by the Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board (BSPHB), Dr Rilwanu Mohammed while interacting with members of the Journalists for Public Health and Development Initiative (J4PD) in his office.
He stated that the suspension of the USAID activities has negatively impacted on the distribution of family planning commodities across the state.
He said that USAID is responsible for last mile distribution of FP communities to all primary healthcare facilities across the State before the halt which is making it pretty difficult now.
Rilwanu Mohammed added that there is increased demand for FP services at the community level but facilities are faced with stock out since most of the commodities are in the state medical stores.
According to him, “The Board is holding meetings to see how these commodities will reach all health facilities to prevent diversion “.
The Executive Chairman also said that it is regrettable that USAID had to stop its activities following the pronouncement by US President, Donald Trump.
Rilwanu Mohammed stated that Bauchi State government has released the sum of N50 million as counterpart funding for UNFPA supply of Family Planning commodities .
He then commended members of J4PD for sustaining its demand creation on issues around Family Planning, immunization and other maternal, newborn and child health services.
He urged them to sustain the linkage between the board and J4PD promising to build the capacity of members to report accurately.